Summary of Economic and Quality of Life Indicators for Allegheny National Forest Counties in Pennsylvania
The Tourism, Resiliency, and Indicators for Post-Pandemic Planning (TRIP) project team conducted an analysis of sustainable tourism indicators in Pennsylvania’s five-county Allegheny National Forest region (Cameron, Elk, Warren, McKean, and Forest Counties) as part of the USDA-funded multi-state project examining rural gateway community resilience. Using participatory research involving both residents and visitors, we worked closely with stakeholders to identify key local economic, social, and environmental indicators for systematic regional comparisons of prospects for and concerns over tourism and broader economic development. The summary below distills the main findings from the analysis. The complete 28-page analysis is available here (2MB PDF).
Data Summary
The 3,500-square-mile study region faces significant economic transitions. While manufacturing dominates in Cameron (46.5%) and Elk (42.6%) counties, education and health services lead in Forest County (36%). The natural resources sector grew countercyclically during 2008-2012 due to increased natural gas extraction, even as manufacturing experienced steep long-term declines.
Tourism indicators reveal both vulnerability and resilience. Visitor spending reached $493.5 million in 2022, recovering from $346.4 million in 2020. Recovery varied noticeably, with Forest County reaching 148% of 2019 activity levels while Warren and McKean remained at 92.9% and 94.5%, respectively. Transportation was the largest spending category ($169.3 million), reflecting the fact that visitors drive to this relatively remote region. Tourism generated $177.5 million in labor income and $43 million in tax revenues, including multiplier effects.
Leisure and Hospitality employment has remained stable (3,292 jobs in 2023) despite a 15% COVID drop, which exceeded that experienced during the 2008 recession. Short-term rental listings have surged since 2019, indicating structural shifts in the availability of accommodation. The region maintains a well-developed food service infrastructure, with some counties exceeding averages for craft beverage establishments per person in other recreation-dependent counties.
Demographic challenges persist. Population has declined since 2000, with the working-age cohort (25-44-year-olds) below the national average of 26.2%. Educational attainment lags significantly – bachelor’s degree-holders range from 10.9% (Cameron) to 19.5% (McKean and Warren) versus 34.3% nationally. In Forest County, 70% of homes are used seasonally. Housing is affordable, but lagging internet access limits opportunities, such as businesses development.
Environmental assets include good and improving air quality, significant areas of parkland, and extensive outdoor recreation infrastructure (with 220 hiking areas, 169 mountain biking trails, and 164 hunting areas). However, water quality varies across the five counties.
Recommendations and Policy Implications
The data analyzed suggest that economic development strategies should focus on sector diversification, supporting expansion in education and health services while investing in professional and business services infrastructure. Tourism development should be part of a diversified economic development strategy with an overall goal of improving the quality of life for local residents by leveraging high seasonal home ownership and investing in year-round attractions while preserving natural amenities.
Workforce development initiatives should address the aging workforce through targeted retention and attraction programs, enhanced educational opportunities aligned with growth sectors, and improved skills training for tourism and hospitality workers.
Regional collaboration emerges as a critical strategy, with opportunities for coordinated tourism marketing efforts, shared workforce development resources, and complementary economic development approaches across counties. A commitment to sustainable destination management is critical.
Environmental management deserves particular attention given the region’s natural assets and challenges. The improving air quality trends demonstrate effective environmental stewardship that should be maintained, while varying water quality conditions across counties suggest the need for coordinated watershed management approaches. The significant parkland resources present opportunities for expanded outdoor recreation and tourism development, but careful planning will be needed to balance increased visitor usage with environmental preservation. Counties should consider developing integrated environmental monitoring systems and shared conservation strategies to protect these valuable natural resources.
The data suggests these counties face significant challenges but retain important assets in their natural amenities, manufacturing base, and tourism potential. Success will require balanced development that preserves natural resources while fostering economic growth and improved quality of life for residents.